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A wellness exam (sometimes referred to as a physical examination) is what you might call a routine checkup. Just like humans, pets need regular checkups for optimal health and disease prevention. These are typically performed on pets who’s health appears to be in good shape, though some issues may be found that might otherwise may not have been detected without an exam.
What does a wellness exam consist of?
Your friendly Cooper City Animal Clinic veterinarian will perform a physical examination for your pet after going through a series of preliminary questions regarding your pet’s:
- Diet/nutrition
- Medical history
- Surgical history
- Elimination patterns (bowel movements/urination)
- Behavior/habits
- Thirst/hunger
- Exercise
- Breathing
- Lifestyle
A physical examination includes a combination of observation, palpation, and auscultation (listening with a stethoscope). Examples of these could include:
- Observing the way your pet walks/stands
- Listening to your pet’s pulse or lungs
- Palpating areas in the body to check for swelling, muscle problems, discomfort, or any kind of abnormalities.
Our veterinarians will also check for things like joint health, weight management, coat & skin care, as well as dental health. We may also administer or recommend preventative treatments for things like:
- Fleas/ticks
- Heartworms
- Intestinal parasites
How often should I schedule a wellness exam for my pet?
Pets age at different rates than humans; for instance, dogs are commonly known to age seven years for every human year. This is a myth however, as most dogs age very rapidly as a puppy and then age much slower as a fully-grown dog. That is why it is recommended that puppy’s have wellness exams more frequently (monthly, ideally), and adult dogs can normally have a wellness exam once a year. Once dogs become more senior in age, it is recommended they go in for a wellness exam twice a year.
If you’re looking for more information regarding wellness examinations, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our helpful staff is eager to answer any and all questions you may have.
We can’t wait to meet and service your pet at Cooper City Animal Clinic!
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